Customer Reviews

Into Temptation

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those rare films that creatively blends a serious, potentially depressing topic, with smart dialogue, heart-warming characters, and a sense of humor that draws you into the film. If you like to have everything all tidy and sewn up for you at the end of a movie, then this may not be for you. But if you enjoy a movie that leaves you wanting more and invites you to engage in conversations with your fellow viewers, then you will love this movie. I was also very impressed with how deftly the script, and the acting, managed to create characters that avoided being what could easily have been time-worn stereotypes, and instead made them realistically complex and inspiring.

The opening scene for "Into Temptation", a leap back in time for the character played by Kristin Chenoweth, may break your heart. This suspenseful movie introduces us to a variety of inner-city characters, foremost of whom is Father John, priest of a poor parish church that is still serving as their lifelong support for older members of its congregation. However, there is a world of trouble for many inside and outside its doors. Father John finds himself confronting, and ultimately becoming a part of the seedier side of life in his driven and frantic quest to save a life. Your reaction at the end of this film will answer the above question for you.

"Into Temptation" is one of those movies that I will watch again to get the other hidden meanings underlying the story, and this is a complex tale that explores myriad issues. Jeremy Sisto plays a Catholic priest in a poor parish, Father John who hears a disturbing confession from a troubled woman, prostitute Linda (Kristin Chenoweth). Linda relates her sexual abuse at the age of 12 by her stepfather, and other intimate details before proclaiming her intent to kill herself on her birthday. Instead of granting her absolution, John tries to get more details from Linda (who does not identify herself in the confessional, and the only thing John glimpses is her crucifix and the sound of her unique sultry voice) but she leaves suddenly, and John is left feeling tormented and guilty, obsessed with finding her and helping her before its too late.

There are basically two main parallel story lines, as John's harried attempts to find Linda plays alongside Linda's methodical approach to her birthday and its significance. John's search for Linda is tinged with humor as he finds himself exploring some rather dubious areas, such as the red light district and a porn establishment. This predictably lands him in trouble with the Archbishop, and his one ally in the church is another priest, Fr Ralph (Brain Baumgartner) from a more affluent parish. John's relationship with his fellow parishioners are also explored, especially with a jobless African American man who is enlisted in the search efforts for Linda. Both Jeremy Sisto and Kristin Chenoweth bring a measure of depth and credibility to their respective roles and the rest of the cast are also well-played.

I felt this was a sad movie - there is some sporadic humor throughout, but what was heartbreaking to watch was the empty soul that is Linda, a damaged soul who is quite certain she wishes to end it all, and who reflects that she would write a suicide note, but who would read it? The beginning of the movie has a group of children at first communion, and the ending of the movie features the same scene but with elaboration, and I have to say that this last scene in the movie neatly tied up all that the movie was - and it packs one heck of an emotional wallop. This is a compelling movie that explores issues of faith, redemption, and absolution. Highly recommended!

Patrick Coyle has hit another home run with this film. The parallel storylines are engrossing incorporating rich, well-developed characters. As I watched the film, I had to remind myself that it was not produced by a large studio, the film is tight, which is often a shortcoming of indie films. A great movie that is both enjoyable and disturbing all at once.

A superb movie that makes one think (what a novel idea!). Multiple themes weave through the story lines: do we truly understand the underlying power of acts of kindness? Does it matter if we don't know the eventual outcomes? Is it more important to ask for forgiveness, or to give forgiveness? Aren't we all tempted? What does it mean if one succumbs to temptation while others do not? Does that make one a better person or just blessed with better circumstances? What is most important in adhering to an organized religion: following the precise rules of behaviour and belief, or acting out the religion's moral backbone of charity, love and caring; even if that means going out of one's comfort zone and safe personal enviornment?

Jeremy Sisto is fantastic as a priest who may not believe in all of the church's rules but personifies its better aspects of love, sacrifice and charity. Kristin Chenoweth shows a touching serious side and major league acting chops in a role with relatively few spoken lines but an unforgettable presence. Brian Baumgartner is comic relief as a priest in a prosperous suburban church who is "taken care of in the manner in which he is accustomed". Mr. Baumgartner is able to use his comic improv talents which are often supressed in his usual gig on "The Office".

I highly recommend this movie.

This movie was not what I expected to be when I picked it up. I'm not sure what I expected, but this wasn't it. This was a fanstastic movie with great characters all the way through. Jeremy Sisto was simply outstanding as Father John and it helped that he had a supporting cast that was just excellent. Kristin Chenowith was also very good in her role as LInda, however Linda was more of a large supporting role than being a co-star. There is no doubt that the ending leaves the viewer with the oppurtunity to discuss the plot with others who have seen it. The film is about redemption. The only question is who is the one being redeemed. It seemed like there was a lot of redemption going on in this movie. There was humor throughout and it was well done, being incorporated into the plot with seeming spontanaity that made it so natural for the situations. Don't expect action or nudity or a lot of blood. Expect a good story with excellent performances by an entire cast. View this movie with an open mind, an open heart and maybe some tissues. Great movie. Easy to recommend.

Wow! From the advertising, I hesitantly rented this DVD. I thought this might be a story about a priest who battles with his biological urges. While that might have been interesting, what "Into Temptation" delivers is a powerful portrayal of a priest as a shepherd who searches for the lost lamb. Jeremy Sisto came onto my radar screen with the HBO series "Six Feet Under." As Father John Buerlein, he effortlessly moves into the shoes of a man of faith. This is a powerful performance worthy of Oscar recognition that will probably not be considered because it is a small art film. But Sisto is amazing. One of the most difficult of human experiences for an actor to show is faith. It is such a subtle, subjective and internal experience. The scene near the end where Buerlein sits in chapel with tears streaming down his face puts an emotional face on faith and connects with the audience. The shadings Sisto brings to the role of a nontraditional priest who tries to minister to the person rather than a priest who experiences faith as if he were reading from a rulebook make us feel like this is a real person, one we could know and would like to know. The performance and the subject matter make this a remarkable film. Kristen Chenoweth who has long been a Broadway favorite and recently was on the series "Pushing Daisies" plays Linda Salerno, a prostitute trying to make amends and leave a life in which she sees no value. While I love the bubbly happy musical comedy side of her talent such as on the recent lifetime movie "The Twelve Men of Christmas," this rather sad portrayal may be her best film work. It's gritty and real. Brian Baumgartner turns in an excellent performance as Buerlein's sounding board, Father Ralph O'Brien. Elizabeth Oas as the pregnant feminist parishioner Maria and Gene Larche as the homeless guy Gus also turn in excellent supporting performances. Writer/director Patrick Coyle should be complimented on such a real, subtle and moving film. I want a copy! Bravo!

I saw it on the big screen in August and was blown away. Don't expect any vampires, robots or aliens. This movie doesn't rely on gimmicks, it is a smart, challenging story. It made me laugh and cry, but most of all think. I wish more movies tried to do that.

Director Patrick Coyle's last film, Detective Fiction (Sundance Selection) was very good, but Into Temptation showcases his enormous talent with a strong and multi-layered script and unexpected, fabulous casting. Kristin Chenoweth and Jeremy Sisto step outside Hollywood's unimaginative casting constraints and deliver heartfelt performances that satisfy and resonate. This is a deep and nuanced film you will want to see more than once.

I loved this film, its drama, humor and wonderful portrayals from a great cast. This is a movie that makes you think, laugh and cry. Finally, a film for the thinking person. Well done.

Into Temptation is a film that gives you a lot to think about. Things like:

--Isn't it great that there are some priests in the world who are unconventional enough to embrace the "lost" souls, even the prostitutes and bums, and treat them with respect and dignity.

--Humor and humanity can be (and should be) an integral part of the priesthood.

--Everyone can get a chance at redemption, but not everyone gets saved.

--Sexual abuse of children changes who they are, and who they become.

--Bullying (recently so much in the news) can have devastating effects that last a lifetime.

This was a great movie that, even with its serious topics, didn't take itself TOO seriously. The story line (and the wonderful actors) made you believe you were right there in the lives of the characters.

Watch it once, and you'll want to watch it again.